The latest lawsuit was filed Jan. 9 in Davidson County Chancery Court by Dr. Wright’s former executive assistant, Lucille Mongogna. Dr. Wright also serves as orthopedic surgery department chair.
In the complaint, Ms. Mongogna alleges Dr. Wright frequently berated her and other female staff members. She also claimed Dr. Wright placed $500 in her desk — which she viewed as an attempt to silence her — after she reported concerns to the hospital’s human resources department, according to the report.
Ms. Mongogna alleged other hospital managers retaliated against her after she reported his behavior, including being “effectively demoted.” She resigned in September after taking medical leave, according to the Tennessean.
VUMC is not commenting on the litigation, a spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s.
In early 2023, orthopedic oncology surgeon Ginger Holt, MD, filed a lawsuit against VUMC, alleging discrimination and retaliation by Dr. Wright based on her sex and sexual orientation. The case has since been settled.
In March 2024, orthopedic surgeon Christen Hoedt, MD, sued VUMC, Dr. Wright and orthopedic surgery department Vice Chair Gregory Polkowski, MD. Dr. Hoedt alleged the two conspired to revoke his privileges and create grounds for termination after he refused to use joint replacements from a company that financially benefited those within the department. The lawsuit is ongoing, the Tennessean reported.
